Kerkow waves goodbye

One of the icons of Australian sport, Kelvin Kerkow, has pulled the curtain on his international career.

During last week’s Tyrrell’s Queensland Open, Kerkow, who is the reigning Commonwealth Games gold medallist, informed Bowls Australia that the time was right to bow out of the national team.

In a written statement, Kerkow said he still enjoyed competing at the highest level, but with a jam packed calendar that includes sponsorship commitments, Grand Prixs and the UK-based PBA, as well as a young family, something had to give.

“This has been an extremely hard decision for me to make as (representing Australia ) has been part of my bowls career for such a long time,” Kerkow said.

“I have been honoured to stand proud and say that I have represented my country to my highest level over the last 13 years and have been committed to always performing at the best of my ability.”

After overcoming Guillain-Barre Syndrome as an eight-year-old, which left him in hospital for eight months and in a wheelchair for two years, Kerkow climbed the summit to become one of the greatest lawn bowlers of all time, culminating in gold at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

According to Bowls Australia chief executive officer Neil Dalrymple, the inspirational Queenslander will be sorely missed.

“There is no doubt that Kelvin Kerkow will go down in history as one of the greats of Australian sport, not just of Australian bowls,” Mr Dalrymple said.

“Over the past two decades he has been an ambassador for the game and has inspired many too make the most of their potential.

“Kelvin will be sorely missed but I’d like to wish him all the best for the future and we look forward to seeing him defend his title at the up-coming Australian Indoor Championships at Tweed Heads.”

Following Kerkow’s retirement, the national selection panel will meet at the conclusion of the Australian Indoor Championships to name any new additions to the national squad.

Thanks to Bowls Australia